Episcopal Schools Celebration 2025
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
October 5–11, 2025
About Episcopal Schools Celebration
Episcopal Schools Celebration (ESC) celebrates the ministry of the 800+ Episcopal schools and early childhood education programs throughout the Episcopal Church. Whether it is at school, the parish or cathedral or at a diocesan-wide service or event, ESC is the time to give thanks and to proclaim to your community and the Church the good news that is your school!
Observed the week beginning with the first Sunday in October, ESC highlights a different aspect of Episcopal school identity and mission through the event’s theme. Below you will find resources to help you plan your celebration. A free poster is mailed to each member in late August.
Share your ESC activities on social media using #EpiscopalSchools
The Presiding Bishop’s Message for Episcopal Schools Celebration 2025
Presiding Bishop’s message coming soon.
Episcopal Schools Celebration Resources (Coming Soon)
- Presiding Bishop’s Message
- Executive Director’s Message
- Social Graphics: Facebook | Instagram | X
- Other Resources: Bulletin Cover | Bulletin Insert | Poster
Two printed posters will be mailed to member schools. If you would like to request additional copies, you can order them for free via the NAES store (available after the initial mailing has been sent). Shipping is also free.
Lectionary
The below-listed suggestions are arranged according to the Book of Common Prayer pattern for the Liturgy of the Word, but use as many or as few lessons as suits your school’s needs.
- Acts 2: 42–47
- 1 Peter 2: 19–25
- John 10:1–10
- Psalm 23
View Readings Online (Lectionary Page)
Download as a Word Document
Hymns
In addition to your school hymn and other favorites, you may wish to includes one or more of these hymns:
The Hymnal 1982
- H 291 – We plow the field and scatter
- H 293 – I sing a song of the saints of God
- H 335 – I am the bread of life
- H 380 – From all that dwell below the skies
- H 405 – All things bright and beautiful
- H 412 – Earth and all stars
- H 416 – For the beauty of the earth
- H 448 – O love, how deep, how broad, how high
- H 469 – There’s a wideness in God’s mercy
- H 487 – Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life
- H 645/646 – The King of love my shepherd is
- H 686 – Come thou fount of every blessing
- H 707 – Take my life, and let it be
Wonder, Love, and Praise
- WLP 775 – Give thanks for life, the measure of our days
My Heart Sings Out
- MHSO 60 – My heart sings out with joyful praise
- MHSO 139 – Thank you for the gift of Jesus
Collect for Episcopal Schools Celebration
God of knowledge and wisdom, we pray to you for all the schools across this country, which are part of the Episcopal Church. We remember them in their variety, in their differences, and in what they share. Give us open doors, open minds, and open hearts that we might accept, learn, and love everything and everyone whom you have given us. Help us to share our lives and what we have, and to learn from all those who are in school with us. We pray in the name of Jesus who opened his arms to all, young and old. Amen.
From John F. Smith, Cycle of Prayer for Episcopal Schools, 2nd ed. (New York: National Association of Episcopal Schools, 2008), 4.
Save these Dates!
Episcopal Schools Celebration 2025-2026
October 5–11, 2025
Episcopal Schools Celebration 2026-2027
October 4–10, 2026
Episcopal Schools Celebration 2027–2028
October 3–9, 2027
Episcopal Schools Celebration 2028–2029
October 1–7, 2028